Kissing Jessica Stein

This is a romantic comedy, with a twist. Jessica Stein, single and approaching 30, after a series of terrible dates, decides on a whim to answer a singles ad from a woman-seeking-a-woman, and after overcoming her initial fears, becomes far more involved than she had expected.

In some ways this film reminded me of a Woody Allen film. There's a similar emphasis on the physical landscape of New York City, where the film is set, with many wonderful shots of the streets. There is a similar social landscape too, filled with quick-talking, witty, artistically talented, upper-middle-class, neurotic, predominantly Jewish characters with fabulous apartments. At several points, Jessica is dithering and sounds very much like the Diane Keaton character in Annie Hall.

This is an indie film that is based on a stage play that was written by the two stars.

The DVD has a lot of great extras. There are two complete audio commentaries, one done by the director and cameraman, and the other by the two women who starred, wrote, and produced the film. There are also a lot of outakes, also with optional commentary, and a short film about the making of the movie.

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